Golf, Gastronomy, and Grandeur: A day at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Arrival: A Scottish Welcome in Sunny California

As we approached The Lodge at Torrey Pines, nestled in the picturesque town of La Jolla near San Diego, I was immediately struck by the unique blend of Scottish heritage and Californian luxury. The first hint of this distinctive charm came from the warm smile of the valet, who, donning a Scottish kilt, evoked the essence of a traditional golf lodge in Scotland's heartlands.

I knew I was in for a treat when I was presented with my room key.  I've traveled a lot and have stayed at many hotels and resorts throughout the world and I always look for the little things a place does to make them stand out.  The Lodge did something I've never seen before.  Upon check-in, they presented my room key in the traditional little room key envelope, but it was wrapped in a little paper ribbon, with my room number handwritten on the ribbon.  It was pure elegance and class

Craftsman Style Meets Scottish Highlands

The Lodge's design, primarily in the Craftsman style, pays homage to the Arts and Crafts movement. However, it was the subtle Scottish influences that caught my eye. Tartan fabrics, traditional Scottish décor, rich woodwork, and stained glass were everywhere, creating an ambiance akin to a classic Highland lodge. The attention to detail in blending these styles was remarkable and lent a unique character to the entire resort.

Our Room: A Golfer's Dream Overlooking the 18th Hole

Our room was a revelation. Opening the balcony doors, we were greeted by the lush green of the Torrey Pines golf course's South Course 18th hole. As a golfer, this view was a dream come true, especially knowing that the Farmers Open was soon to be played right before our eyes.

For the first time in over two decades, guest rooms are available at The Lodge during the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open, providing a unique opportunity for golf fans to join in the excitement. FINE readers can indulge in luxury accommodations, premier viewing areas, and the chance to rub shoulders with golf legends, all while immersing themselves in the Five Diamond elegance of The Lodge! This is by far the best way for readers to take part in the exciting activities around the tournament. There's a Weekday package (January 24-25, 2024) and Weekend package (January 26-27, 2024) that includes a 2-night stay at The Lodge, breakfast credit and 2 tickets to the Farmers Insurance Open.

Luxury in the Details: From Bedding to Botany

When you tire of watching golf from your balcony, you can bask in a luxurious and serene experience of the rooms, with amenities such as high-quality bedding, elegant bathrooms, and modern conveniences.  But once again, it’s the attention to detail.  Not just bottled water, but Fuji water.  Not just soft, pristine white sheets, but the meticulously designed corners on the duvet cover, spoke volumes of the luxury you are to experience.  To those that take part in the picturesque guided nature trail, you will learn about how 5 needles are grouped together in ‘fascicles’ (twigs), which is a distinguishing characteristic of Torrey pines compared to other coniferous trees. 

A Thoughtful Surprise: Wine and Cheese Interlude

Following our enlightening hike through the Torrey Pines Reserve, we returned to our room to find a delightful surprise. Because it was a special occasion for us, the thoughtful staff had provided a fresh Wine and Cheese plate as part of our turn-down service. With our dinner reservations at A.R. Valentien still two hours away, this elegant spread was exactly what we needed to tide us over. The cheese selection was exquisite, perfectly paired with the wine, making for a relaxing and indulgent prelude to our evening.

Dining at A.R. Valentien: A Symphony of Flavors

The resort features several dining options, including the acclaimed A.R. Valentien restaurant, which offers a seasonal menu of regional cuisine, and The Grill, known for its more casual atmosphere and delicious fare. The staff, when recommending Valentien restaurant, focused on the fresh, local ingredients and expert preparation.  But what makes dining here a memorable experience was the taste.  Every course was prepared with care and delivered to the table in style.  Even though most people would rave about the steak, which was fabulous, or the sea bass which made my partner, literally say, “Wow” after her first bite.  What made me say wow, and ask for 2nd and 3rds was their home-baked, glutton-free thyme and salt-infused corn muffins and seasoned butter.  I know, bread and butter is cliche, but it was that tasty.

When I got past my ‘bread course’, I was able to focus on the unique blending of flavors and tastes for my other 3 courses of our culinary adventure at A.R. Valentien. Each dish was a masterpiece, the progression of flavors through the courses, culminating in a delightful fruit sorbet pairing, was a journey I’ll cherish.

For those that enjoy food and the craft and skill a chef goes through in creating a fine eating experience should not miss The Lodge's big annual Celebrate the Craft culinary festival on April 14. Once a year, dozens of chefs and purveyors come together at The Lodge for a unique celebration of the region's agricultural bounty and culinary craftsmanship. 

A Rainy Day Turns Into Spa Bliss

Our plans for golf were foiled by an unexpected morning rain, but this led us to the spa. The spa at The Lodge is a haven of relaxation, offering a range of treatments that cater to both rejuvenation and indulgence. We opted for the couples massage, a decision that proved to be the highlight of our rainy day. The treatment rooms exuded a serene ambiance, with subtle lighting and soft, calming music that immediately set a peaceful tone.

As experienced spa-goers, we appreciated the attention to every detail. The massage therapists were not only skilled but also intuitive, adapting their techniques to our individual needs. The use of high-quality, aromatic oils added a layer of sensory pleasure to the experience, enhancing the overall therapeutic effect.

The post-massage experience was equally delightful. We were guided to a relaxation area where we could linger and savor the feeling of utter relaxation. The spa provided an assortment of herbal teas and light snacks, which we enjoyed while lounging in plush robes. The entire experience was a testament to the spa's commitment to providing a holistic and luxurious wellness journey.  For those You can read more about the full spa experience at

The spa at The Lodge at Torrey Pines truly understands the art of relaxation and pampering, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a top-tier spa experience. 

A Lively Afternoon at the Bar

Feeling rejuvenated, we headed to the bar. The lunch menu was impressive, and the service matched the high standards we had come to expect. Surrounded by friendly conversations about football, we were immersed in the atmosphere of an old-world Scottish lodge, but with the sunny disposition of Southern California.

A Memorable Journey

As we reflected on our stay at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, it was clear this was more than just a luxury hotel. It was a journey through exquisite craftsmanship, culinary excellence, and serene spa experiences, all wrapped in a unique Scottish-American ambiance. For anyone seeking a high-end resort experience in Southern California, The Lodge at Torrey Pines stands out as a perfect fusion of luxury, nature, recreation, and cultural richness.

For further reading

• Get Pampered at The Spa at Torrey 
• Grand Traverse Resort & Spa Review
• Guide: Top Golf Gifts